The anagama at the Voice Koubo in Tajimi.

On a sweltering day at the tail end of August, I made my way to the Voice Kobo kiln to delve into the details of their forthcoming makigama (wood-fire kiln) fair. For those unacquainted, an anagama is a venerable, single-chamber wood-fired kiln, reminiscent of those employed by Japanese potters centuries ago. It is typically built into a hillside, such as the one we will present this time, or constructed as a freestanding structure. It's not every day that pottery aficionados get the rare chance to fire their creations in such a kiln. However, come November, the Voice Kobo in Tajimi will graciously offer this opportunity during their annual makigama fair.

​​This splendid anagama has been ignited annually for this very event, and this year, the festivities shall be further enriched with the addition of a noborigama. But let us not gallop ahead of ourselves. Let us first bask in the glory of the anagama—what, pray, is it truly, and why does it stir the hearts of pottery devotees with such fervour?
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WHat is an anagama and what are its benefits?

The benefits of using an anagama kiln, or cave kiln, for pottery are numerous and unique:
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• Natural Glazes and Textures: The wood-fired process allows ash to settle on the pottery, creating natural glazes and unique textures that are distinct to each piece.
• High Temperatures: Anagama kilns can reach very high temperatures, which are essential for achieving certain ceramic qualities. The heat distribution within the kiln is efficient due to its elongated, tunnel-like structure.
• Artistic Variation: The firing process in an anagama kiln can take several days, resulting in a wide range of surface effects and colors. This variability adds to the artistic value of the ceramics.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Using an anagama kiln connects potters to a long tradition of Japanese ceramics, offering a sense of continuity with historical methods.

These kilns require significant time, effort, and expertise to operate, but the results are highly prized for their unique beauty and character.
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The anagama kiln, a storied relic of ceramic history, offers a profound connection to Japan’s cultural and historical tapestry. This ancient kiln, with its origins tracing back to the 5th century, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional craftsmanship. Its design, a long tunnel-like structure embedded in hillsides, is not merely a method of firing pottery but a bridge to the past, echoing the techniques and aesthetics of centuries-old Japanese pottery traditions.

​The cultural significance of the anagama kiln lies in its ability to produce pottery that embodies the spirit of wabi-sabi, the Japanese appreciation for beauty in imperfection and transience. Each piece fired in an anagama kiln emerges with a unique character, shaped by the unpredictable dance of flames and ash. This process results in natural glazes and textures that are impossible to replicate with modern kilns, offering a tangible link to the artistry of ancient Japanese potter

​Moreover, the artistic process involved in anagama firing is as much about the journey as the destination. It requires a deep understanding of the interplay between clay, fire, and ash, demanding patience and intuition from the potter. The kiln’s firing process, which can last several days, is a communal effort, often involving a team of skilled artisans who must carefully monitor and adjust the fire to achieve the desired effects. This collaborative endeavour not only fosters a sense of community but also honours the traditional methods passed down through generations.

a potter's wheel demonstration and a closer look at the kilns

The fair pamphlet

I had the pleasure of chatting with Mr. Kenji Otsuji and Ms. Yuka Shibata, two charming potters working at the Voice Koubo workshop who, despite initial shyness, soon warmed to their subject. They explained that the fair will be something very special this year. The fair welcomes all, from curious novices to seasoned potters, with the noborigama's revival promising a particularly exciting event. So, whether you're a local or a far-flung visitor, do consider immersing yourself in this celebration of Japan's rich ceramic heritage.

The two staff potters noted that regular workshop guests include those who want to have a simple potter's wheel experience, such as producing a mug cup or another modest object. They come from neighbouring areas near Tajimi, a well-known pottery town. They spend an hour and a half throwing two pieces and selecting a glaze to use. The team will complete the work and deliver the components to the customer, or they can pick them up themselves. You, as a foreigner, are of course invited to try this easy experience.

​Following our brief conversation, the two potters offered to demonstrate some of their skills on the potter's wheel, which was a tremendous joy. When they got their hands on the clay and began throwing a variety of pieces, they really demonstrated their technique, and after each item they finished, they exclaimed a small "jan!," which might be translated as "there, another one done!" or something similar. It is difficult to convey the delightful show, so I have included photographs and video to help.

After the brilliant display of craftsmanship, we descended the hill to see the amazing noborigama and anagama kilns. The noborigama has not been fired in about a decade, making this occasion very special. Staff from other workshops, students from Ishoken (officially known as the Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center), and enthusiasts will help conduct the two-day firing in two of the kiln's three chambers. Anyone can participate in the firing, and you are invited to feed the kilns with firewood, which must be done at regular intervals throughout the firing. The kiln can hold around 1500 pieces, so there is ample space to accommodate a large volume of pottery for this event. The anagama (cave kiln), which is located next to the noborigama, can hold approximately 500 pieces. 
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Typical noborigama construction

WHat is a noborigama and what are its benefits?

A noborigama, or climbing kiln, is a traditional Japanese multi-chambered kiln design that offers several advantages for pottery production:

Structure and Design

Noborigama kilns are built on a slope, with each chamber situated higher than the previous one. The name "noborigama" literally means "climbing kiln" in Japanese, reflecting this upward-sloping structure.

Key Benefits

• Energy Efficiency: The sloped design allows heat from lower chambers to preheat upper chambers, making efficient use of fuel.
• Temperature Control: Multiple chambers enable potters to achieve different firing conditions and temperatures simultaneously.
• Large Capacity: A noborigama can typically hold several thousand pieces, allowing for high-volume production.
• Versatility: The different chambers can be used for various types of pottery, glazes, and firing techniques in a single firing session.
• Historical Significance: Noborigama kilns have been used in Japan since the 17th century, connecting modern potters to traditional techniques.
  
  

Comparison to Other Kilns

While similar to anagama (single-chamber cave kilns), noborigama kilns offer greater control and efficiency. They represent an evolution in kiln design, allowing for more sophisticated and varied pottery production compared to earlier kiln types.

course information

Basically, if you visit Tajimi during this time, you can visit the Voice Koubo workshop and make pottery that will be fired during the fair, or, you can supply your own pieces. Each applicant can supply up to five pieces for the firing.

​The application deadline is October 6. You will then be able to visit the workshop and make the pieces on October 26 or October 27. The pieces will then be loaded in the kilns on November 9 and 10, and fired from November 13 to 17. After cooling and unloading on November 24, the pieces will then be available for pick-up or postal delivery within Japan. In the case you want to supply pieces ready for firing, you can choose the "Bring-your-own-piece" course. They must be bisque-fired and fit the size specifications listed here below. Alternatively, you can supply dried pieces that will be bisque fired by the workshop. They need to be delivered to the workshop on October 6 at the latest. There is an extra fee of 550 yen/piece for bisque firing and 550 yen/piece for glazing.

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"Bring-your-own-piece" course
Item	Price	Size
1 Small size piece	1,000 yen	up to Width 15 X Height 15 cm
1 Middle size piece	3,300 yen	Up to Width 20 X Height 30 cm
1 Large size piece	5,500 yen	Up to Width 30 X Height 40 cm

​Prices include raw material and firing.
Applications must be made by October 6th at the latest.
Pieces can be picked up after the firing or posted by mail within Japan.
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Noborigama course
Fire pieces you make at the Voice Studio in the noborigama. Beginners are welcome; the staff will help you.
Pieces made from up to 1kg of clay	3,300 yen
Pieces made from up to 2kg of clay	4,400 yen

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Schedule for the noborigama course
Deadline for submitting the pieces	October 26 (Sat) - 27 (Sun) Time (each day respectively): 10:00 - 17:00 For postal deliveries: October 6
Kiln loading	November 9 (Sat) - 10 (Sun) Time (each day respectively): 10:00 - 17:00
Firing	November 13 (Wed) - 17 (Sun) The firing continues around the clock from November 13, 09:00
Unloading the kiln	November 24 (Sun) The unloading is conducted 10:00 - 17:00

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​Applications are to be sent to: Azuchi Momoyama Tougei no Sato, Voice Koubo
http://kds-kiln.co.jp/v-kobo/
e-mail: [email protected]
Postal address:  Voice Koubo, 1-9-17 Higashi-machi, Tajimi-shi, Gifu-ken, 507-0801
Tel/Fax (0572)25-2233
Business hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Reception close at 15:00)
Off day: Tuesdays